BEN LYNCH’S office is inundated with portraits of his relatives — all notable lawyers. The Lynch family has owned their law firm, Lynch, Lynch, and Lynch Attorneys at Law, for generations. Their story began with J.K.P. Pearson, a “shade tree lawyer” during the Civil War era who practiced law outdoors during hot Tennessee summers. This grew into five generations of lawyers who continue to serve Franklin County.
Ben Lynch studied at Lipscomb University and Vanderbilt Law School, while most of his family pursued law at Cumberland Law School. He joined the family practice in 1963, working alongside his father, Pat B. Lynch, and his grandfather — both of whom were also leaders at Winchester Church of Christ. The men were known for winning cases, typically on the side of right. However, Ben shared one humorous story about his grandfather, who once got a local ruffian acquitted of several crimes. Eventually, the man lost his life, and when people gathered to view the body, one attendee quipped, “Don’t let Frank Lynch in here. He might get him out of this one, too!”
Growing up in a family full of lawyers, Ben knew he wanted to follow in his family’s footsteps. He enjoyed presenting cases before a jury, but said most cases are settled in mediation now. Ben has won many cases; one difficult case went all the way to the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, which is one level away from the Supreme Court. Even against teams of New York lawyers, he won that major case. The Lynch family has a reputation for excellence, as evidenced by Ben’s recollection about his father.
“I heard others say, ‘I’ve got the smartest, best lawyer on my side — I’ve got Pat. I can’t lose the lawsuit,’” Ben said.
His father served in the state legislature, and his brothers also became lawyers. Pat B. Lynch left big shoes to fill — and they have filled them well.
Ben continues to be an example and advisor for his son, Benjamin Patrick Lynch, and most recently, his granddaughter, Maggie Lynch, named after Ben’s wife, Margaret Lynch. Maggie works as a court clerk in the General Sessions Criminal Court in Franklin County, and she also helps out at her family’s firm. In the fall, she will head to the Nashville School of Law and is considering real estate law, like her father. But she plans to follow her grandfather’s advice and not rush the decision.
“Granddaddy always tells me, ‘Don’t rule anything out.’ Go in with an open mind and you might like things you didn’t expect,” Maggie said. She is even considering a judgeship someday.
She is grateful for her close-knit family, especially the relationship she shares with her grandfather.
“I call him about anything and everything. I have both my dad and granddad looking out for me and helping me. They teach me a lot and give me advice about what I’m going to deal with in the future,” Maggie said.
She is honored to carry on her family’s heritage and looks forward to serving in her hometown as the next generation of Lynch lawyers. GN
